Podcast

PARADISE LOST: CLIMATE CRISIS & CULTURAL LOSS IN THE NUSANTARA WITH NOR WANG & UTE META BAUER

In this launch episode, we discuss with Professor Ute Meta Bauer, a visionary curator, scholar, and founding director of NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore, whose work has redefined the possibilities of contemporary art across the globe. Through the lens of NTU CCA’s research, residencies, and exhibitions, we re-examine Singapore in the Nusantara from the vantage point of maritime Southeast Asia’s urgent ecological and cultural shifts. As the world’s largest archipelago, the Nusantara becomes a powerful site to investigate the entwined loss of biodiversity and cultural heritage. Ute reflects on how the visual arts engage with climate change and displacement—extending beyond the gallery into the realms of activism, community, and care. Together, we consider how art can both document and transform the fragile worlds we are on the verge of losing.

EXPLORING PRE-MODERN ART IN THE NUSANTARA WITH NOR WANG & T.K. SABAPATHY

In this episode, we’re joined once again by renowned art historian T.K. Sabapathy to delve into the ancient roots of Nusantara art. Taking us back to the pre-modern era, T.K. explains how archaeologists and philologists, rather than art historians, were the first to apply the term “art” to Southeast Asia’s heritage, as they encountered works framed within Hindu-Buddhist cosmologies. Through two key examples of early Hindu-Buddhist art of Prambanan and Borobudur temples in Java, T.K. illuminates the symbolic depth and historical significance embedded in these ancient art forms, offering us a rare look into the foundational layers of art in the Nusantara region. Join us for this enlightening exploration of Southeast Asia’s rich artistic legacy.

NANYANG ART AND ARTISTS IN THE NUSANTARA
WITH NOR WANG & LOW SZE WEE

In this episode, we sit down with Low Sze Wee, a leading figure in Singapore’s art scene to explore the profound significance of Nanyang art in picturing a modern understanding of the Nusantara. As a key modern art movement that emerged in pre-war Singapore, Nanyang art reflects the region’s dynamic blend of cultures and histories. Through the cosmopolitan experiences of its artists, the movement captured the spirit of the Nusantara—its landscapes, people, and evolving identity. Sze Wee, known for his expertise in ink art and curating the works of prominent regional artists, sheds light on how Nanyang art bridged the poetic, political, and personal, offering a unique lens on the region’s journey through modernity. Discover the lasting impact of Nanyang art and its role in picturing the rich tapestry of maritime Southeast Asia.

SHIPWRECKS, TREASURES & BUDDHAS. ANCIENT NUSANTARA TRADE WITH NOR WANG & STEPHEN MURPHY
Welcome to today’s episode, where we immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of ancient maritime networks with Dr. Stephen Murphy. Join us as we investigate the mystery of a remarkable 9th-century shipwreck discovered off Belitung Island, Southern Sumatra. This incredible find, now housed at the Asian Civilisations Museum and expertly curated by Stephen, has transformed our perspective on the Nusantara trade routes and their pivotal role in the ancient global economy.

Stephen also brings us insights from his latest book, “Buddhist Landscapes: Art and Archaeology of the Khorat Plateau, 7th to 11th Centuries,” a discovery that casts new light on the influence of Buddhism in the region during the early millennia rendering regional . Followed by his exhibition “Raffles in Southeast Asia” which made history by showcasing the royal regalia of Johor Riau Lingga’s last sultan for the first time in Asia. Tune in for an episode packed with history, art, and groundbreaking discoveries!

PICTURING & DESIRING THE NUSANTARA - MODERN ART WITH NOR WANG & T.K. SABAPATHY
In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking to T.K. Sabapathy, whose remarkable career spanning over four decades has shaped and critiqued the development of art in Singapore, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia. T.K. shares insights into the evolution of modern art in the Nusantara, bringing to light pivotal moments, influential artists, and the underlying cultural and aesthetic desires that have defined this region's artistic landscape. Together, we explore his reflections on “picturing and desiring the Nusantara,” a concept that invites us to see Southeast Asia through its unique modern art movements. Join us for a deep dive into T.K.’s work, which has helped frame the contemporary understanding of Southeast Asian art and its place in the global artistic dialogue.

ENVISIONING THE NUSANTARA THROUGH ARCHITECTURE AND ART WITH NOR WANG & RICHARD HASSELL
In this episode, we speak with internationally acclaimed architect and artist Richard Hassell about his architectural and artistic practice, which envisions the Nusantara through a critical engagement with its environments, histories, and cultures. Richard’s work, deeply influenced by tropical regions like Singapore, provides innovative solutions to contemporary challenges while enriching our understanding of the region. His achievements, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and the RIBA Lubetkin Prize, underscore his contributions to the field. We also explore his recent exhibition, "Strange Connections: Art and Architecture," which uncovers surprising links between the Osborne House’s 1830s history and his own, offering a fresh perspective on place, memory, and personal history.

ART COLLECTING AND LEGAL EXPERTISE WITH NOR WANG & RYAN SU
In this episode, we are joined by Ryan Su, whose expertise in both art collecting and legal specialisation provides a unique lens through which to explore the Nusantara’s rich artistic traditions. Ryan shares insights into how his work bridges the worlds of art acquisition and legal frameworks, shedding light on the importance of preserving and protecting art within the region. As we discuss his journey, Ryan will highlight how his dual focus on art and law has shaped his approach to the art world, offering a nuanced perspective on collecting practices and the complexities of art ownership. Join us for an enlightening conversation that explores the intersection of art, law, and cultural heritage in the Nusantara.

NO COUNTRY. HISTORIOGRAPHICAL AESTHETICS IN CONTEMPORARY SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA WITH NOR WANG & JUNE YAP
How does art challenge preconceived ideas about fixed identities and place? In this episode, Dr. June Yap unravels her pioneering work with the Guggenheim UBS Global Art Initiative for South and Southeast Asia, a project that not only maps contemporary artistic activity in South Asia and Southeast Asia but also questions our notions of nations and boundaries. We also investigate her insightful book “Retrospective: A Historiographical Aesthetic in Contemporary Singapore and Malaysia” that unveils the intricate connections between two neighbouring nations through the lens of art and aesthetics that reconsider both our historical narratives and identities.

LUMBUNG & FOREIGNERS EVERYWHERE. PICTURING THE GLOBAL SOUTH WITH NOR WANG & SENG YU JIN
Why are art exhibitions relevant in shaping our views of the world and the region itself? We break this down with Dr Seng Yu Jin, as he guides us through a comparison of two distinct curatorial approaches showcased at recent international art biennales. We discuss Indonesian collective ruangrupa's curation at Documenta 15 in Kassel, Germany based on the idea of lumbung, an Indonesian rice barn practice of collective economy, and Brazilian curator Adriano Pedrosa's provocative theme “Foreigners Everywhere” for the 60th Venice Biennale in Italy. Tune in as we unveil how these perspectives influence our interpretation of the world through art.

COSMOPOLITAN CONNECTIONS & ENTERPRISE WITHIN MARITIME SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH NOR WANG & IMRAN BIN TAJUDEEN
Maritime Southeast Asia, with its cultural diversity and historical depth offers a distinctive perspective on the evolution of cities and architecture. We discuss with Dr Imran bin Tajudeen, cosmopolitan connections in this region and an interplay of cultures, characters and commerce that have shaped its urban landscape. In exploring Imran’s urban projects, we spotlight women entrepreneurs and philanthropists who have generously endowed mosques in Singapore, a topic that promises to shed light on significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in this region. Don’t miss this engaging discussion that promises to illuminate both the past and present heritage!

TASTEMAKERS & TASTEMAKING IN THE NUSANTARA. A SINGAPURA PERSPECTIVE WITH NOR WANG & KHIR JOHARI
In this episode, we embark on a journey in the Nusantara with Khir Johari, through his multi-award-winning book The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels. Together, we explore a rich heritage — culture, traditions, and people—through Khir’s perspective. Growing up in Gedung Kuning, a historic villa on the grounds of Singapore's last Sultan at Kampong Gelam, Khir offers a rare glimpse into his memories, deep insights into its culture, and a fascinating collection of artefacts. Whether you're new to the topic or well-versed in it, this episode promises an enriching exploration of a world that continues to inspire.

NUSANTARA PORT CITIES WITH NOR WANG & KENNIE TING
In this episode, we uncover a fascinating journey through Kennie Ting’s latest book, “The Great Port Cities of Asia: In History.” Join us as we travel through time in key Nusantara port cities with Kennie as he guides us through the riveting evolution of port cities from Kedah, Palembang, Melaka, Aceh and Singapura. We explore why understanding the rise and fall of these bustling entrepôts is essential for grasping the broader cultural and historical tapestry of the Nusantara, including the pre-colonial beginnings of Singapore. Tune in as we unravel the layers of this captivating narrative and discover how these port cities shaped the rich heritage and visual culture of the region.

PICTURING THE NUSANTARA THROUGH ART COLLECTING WITH  NOR WANG & DICKIE ZEBREGS
In this special edition of Picturing the Nusantara, we visit Zebregs & Röell Fine Art and Antiques in Amsterdam, renowned for its museum-quality artefacts from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. We sit down with owner Dickie Zebregs to uncover the remarkable stories behind some of the gallery’s most prized Southeast Asian treasures.

Highlights include a 1,000-year-old pure gold finial from Hindu-Buddhist Java, a pair of secretaires believed to have been gifted to Lady Olivia—wife of Sir Stamford Raffles and a prominent figure in Singapore’s early history—and a luminous painting of Balinese women by Rudolf Bonnet, the celebrated Dutch artist and co-founder of the Pita Maha art movement. Through these objects, we explore the layered narratives of colonial encounters, cultural exchange, and the enduring legacy of the Nusantara across time and place.

INDONESIA & THE NETHERLANDS: CONNECTIONS AND CONVERSATIONS IN ART WITH NOR WANG & THOMAS BERGHUIS
From the heart of Amsterdam—a city layered with histories of empire, exchange, and art—we bring you a special conversation with Dr. Thomas Berghuis, one of the leading voices in Asian contemporary art and curatorial practice. Based in Amsterdam, Thomas has taught at Leiden University and held pivotal roles including Curator of Chinese Art at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and the founding Director of Museum MACAN in Jakarta.

Together, we explore the layered relationships between Indonesia and the Netherlands through the lens of curatorial practice, memory, and visual culture. From his deep engagement with contemporary Indonesian artists to his latest exhibition at De Thomas—Endless Tears in the Garden of Eden by Rushdi Anwar—Thomas invites us into a reflective space where art becomes a medium of reconciliation, resistance, and reimagining. Tune in for a thoughtful exchange on postcolonial narratives, artistic agency, and the evolving meanings of the Nusantara across borders and generations.